Breathing-controlled electrical stimulation device for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Official title: An innovative device for management of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11204885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, non-drug device aims to reduce neuropathic pain in people with spinal cord injuries using breathing-guided electrical stimulation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $800,027 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3NS139014-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11204885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with spinal cord injury and neuropathic pain who are eligible for the trial and able to participate in device testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without neuropathic pain after SCI or who cannot use electrical stimulation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will bring a stand-alone BreEStim device to routine clinical use and test it in a single-center randomized trial. It builds on prior work showing breathing-controlled electrical stimulation can lessen pain by engaging central nerves, with a focus on safety and practicality for clinic use. The study includes developing the device under FDA quality standards, then evaluating how well it works and whether it is safe in patients with SCI-related neuropathic pain. If successful, the approach could offer a non-pharmacological option to improve comfort and rehabilitation outcomes. Reynolds will oversee a collaboration with Soterix Medical Inc to industrialize the device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience meaningful pain relief without added medications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results suggest breathing-controlled stimulation can reduce pain, but a definitive trial is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Sheng — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Li, Sheng
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Testing a new treatment for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury in pigs
This study is exploring a new way to help people with nerve pain from spinal cord injuries by testing a special treatment in pigs that closely resemble human conditions, to see if it can effectively reduce their pain.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.